Westfield, MA

Here in my hometown of Westfield, MA we have a large population of squirrels, and many of them are black.

When people come to visit they are often amazed by these rare little rodents and inquire about their origins.

Photo by Stan Freeman/The Republican

This excerpt from Stanley Park's website explains how these cute little critters landed in Westfield, MA:

"A Westfield phenomenon since the late 1940's, the black squirrels now populate most areas of the city and have moved into surrounding communities. Because they are not indigenous to Western Massachusetts, the presence of the squirrels has led to a rather large collection of stories and tall tales as to how they got here, when, and perhaps most important, why? They were a gift to Frank Stanley Beveridge, the founder of The Stanley Park of Westfield, Inc. and Stanhome Inc., from former Stanhome Inc., sales manager's, Hubert L. Worell and Alvah (Al) Elzerman. In 1948, Worell and Elserman brought the squirrels from Michigan to Westfield, Massachusetts when they were to attend a conference here at Stanhome Inc., or known at that time as Stanley Home Products. The first arrivals were kept in cages and did not adapt well to their new environment; they failed to reproduce and eventually died. Undaunted, Worell and Elserman tried again, this time bringing six squirrels, allowing them to roam free in the confines of the park. The squirrels found their new surroundings and their freedom to their liking, and were soon an established tenant of Westfield. Now black squirrels are to be found all over the Pioneer Valley and are numerous especially in the park."

Masslive.com featured an interesting story about the black squirrels today, which was the spark to write this blog. It always amazes me how every region has something special that we treat as common and forget is unique. Westfield is blessed by having a wonderful park like Stanley Park. When I am not busy helping people with buying or selling a home, it is a favorite destination with my daughters.

The wikipedia definition of the black squirrels tells about the various locations that they are known to thrive and also mentions our beautiful Stanley Park, Westfield, MA. The population of the black squirrels extends into about 60 communities in Western Massachusetts at this point.

These unique animals have spurred a retail business spoofing on the Black Dog items from Martha's Vineyard. You can buy any number of products sporting the Black Squirrel at this site.

If you are interested in the biology of the black squirrel, this report has all the statistics you are looking for.

While searching google for more information for this blog, I discovered that there is another Stanley Park in Vancouver with black squirrels....what an odd coincidence! Here is a photo of their squirrel.

If you are looking to move to Westfield, MA: home of the adorable black squirrel, be sure to get in touch with:

Lesley Lambert, The Real Estate Natural at Park Square Realty

Lesley Lambert of Park Square Realty in Westfield, MA chose Park Square Realty as her brokerage for a lot of important reasons. Not the least of those reasons was the fact that it is a company with proven results. Park Square Realty recently released their five year statistics and the numbers were incredible.

During the years 2004-2008 Park Square Realty was the #1 real estate company in Westfield for getting their listings sold. Park Square Realty sold 42% more homes than their next closest competitor.

For that period of time Park Square Realty sold 527 listings, the #2 company sold 371, the #3 company sold 296 and the #4 company sold 138.

Park Square Realty has been locally owned and consistently successful since 1987. Lesley Lambert has been in real estate for 20 years and has extensive experience. Lambert is a specialist in short sales, foreclosure/bank owned properties, investment properties, historic homes and residential re-sale.

I live in Westfield, Massachusetts and we are having one HECK of a winter. Today was yet another snow day, no school, snowed in at home with my daughters. Days like this give a real estate agent a lot of options, for example:

#1- stay in PJ's and watch old musicals all day

#2- work from home

#3- clean the house

#4- nap

#5- chat with friends

#6- go outside and play

#7- read

I was in an a la carte mood today and took a few different options.

Option #1- I hope this isn't too much information for you, but I love jammie days! I didn't, however, turn on the TV because of

Option #2 - I worked from home, as I often do. I emailed everyone on my buyer list, I updated my email drip campaigns on my website, I spoke with a buyer (Thanks Clint!), I wrote a press release and I blogged.

Option #3 - is a work in progress. I don't like housechores so I take it in little bites. Cleaned the kitchen then emailed, folded laundry then blogged...you get the picture. There is still a pile of laundry the size of the Berkshire Mnts staring at me as I write this, but I will get to it!

Option #4 - don't feel drowsy today, so I get to stay productive..even in my PJs!

Option # 5 - Enter my new favorite addiction: twitter. Today I chatted with friends old and new in business and personal matters. I am making contacts, broadening my referral network and LEARNING a ton!

Option # 6 - Thank goodness, my girls didn't feel like going outside, because I am too snug here on the couch!

Option # 7 - I didn't read my book (although it is terrific: Host by Stephanie Meyers) but I DID read a lot of blogs and motivational materials to keep me focused on staying positive.

My daughters have been cooperating and working beside me all day. I think it is a great way for them to grow to understand how much effort it takes to be a working mom. It also teaches them to be flexible and have a good work ethic. They can see their mom is working, but I can take a break here and there to be with them at lunch or over a book. Speaking of which...gotta run: the youngest wants help with a puzzle!

My (twitter) friend @writingroads has launched a wonderful Internet based fundraiser in spirit of love and giving and timed for Valentine's Day.

She is creating The LOVE ebook to be published and available for Internet download from February 11th-14th. The book will consist of original photographs, poetry and digitally displayed artwork themed around the concept of love.

The book is free, but I encourage you to make a donation of any size, as the proceeds will benefit Dress for Success and Career Gear.

This is something of a shameless plug, also, as I have submitted an original poem to be included in the book...the first time since high school that I have published my poetry. She is accepting submissions until January 31st, if you have something to share.

So, whether you go out of curiosity to discover if I can write more than blogs, or you go because you need a good Valentine's gift, or you go because of generosity of spirit and checkbook: be sure to go to @writingroads website to be involved!